amy.thompson

Major General Michael Kostelnik ’68, USAF

March 30, 2022 by amy.thompson

Major General Michael Kostelnik ’68 received his BS degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M and his MS degree in industrial engineering from the University of Iowa in 1970. He was a member of Squadron 3 and a Ross Volunteer. During a 32-year Air Force career he flew F-4s and F-15s and served in key leadership positions, including the Commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School, the Director of Special Access Programs, and the Commander of the Air Armament Center. In 2002, he was appointed to the Senior Executive Service as the Deputy Associate Administrator of NASA for the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. In 2005, he became the Assistant Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection serving until 2013. He has received numerous recognitions including the Defense and Air Force Distinguished Service medals and the Senior Executive Service Presidential rank award. He is a member of the Academy of Distinguished Graduates of Texas A&M mechanical engineering.

W. Bernard “Barney” Fudge ’67

March 30, 2022 by amy.thompson

W. Bernard “Barney” Fudge ’67 received his BBA in marketing from Texas A&M and his JD from the University of Oklahoma College of Law where he was junior class president. He was a member of Squadron 2, Corps Staff, a Ross Volunteer, a Distinguished Student, a Distinguished Military Graduate, and student body president. He served as 78^th District Court judge from 2009 until retiring in 2019. He served on 28 civic and charitable organizations and was president or chairman of 12 including Boy Scouts, Child Advocates, and the Texas State Bar Grievance Committee. He has been honored as Burkburnett Citizen of the Year, Boy Scout Distinguished Citizen, Texoma Aggie of the Year, and a Fish Camp namesake. He served as president of the Wichita Falls A&M Club and is in the Burkburnett High School Legends Hall of Fame and Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Albert W. “Al” Clay III ’65

March 22, 2022 by amy.thompson

Clay ’65 received his B.S. in Accounting from Texas A&M and his MBA from the University of Texas. He was a member of Company F-2, on Brigade Staff, a Fish Yell Leader, and a Ross Volunteer, serving as Platoon Sergeant his Senior Year. Clay served in the U.S. Army at the Special Ammunition Support Command in Handorf, Germany. He worked as a Certified Public Accountant and a Real Estate broker. In 1998, he founded Clay Development and Construction with his son, Robert ’97, to focus on commercial real estate development in the Houston area. Together they have developed over 280 real estate projects valued at over $1.8 Billion. Clay Development has also purchased and developed over 25 multi-use industrial parks and currently owns over 3.8m square feet of company-developed space in 80+ buildings. He has served as a board member of St. Thomas High School and St. Francis Episcopal School in Houston. He is a 2021 Inductee of the St. Thomas High School Hall of Honor.

Mr. Terrell S. Mullins ’67

March 22, 2022 by amy.thompson

Terrell S. Mullins ’67 received his B.A. in English from Texas A&M University and his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1970. He was a member of Companies G-3 and B-2, 1st Brigade Staff, the Ross Volunteers, and the Rifle Team. Mullins was elected Senior Class President and named a Top Ten Cadet at ROTC Summer Camp. He was a distinguished military graduate and received a commission in Army Military Intelligence. Mullins practiced law in Hallettsville, Texas, engaged in cattle ranching operations, and was elected to three terms as Lavaca County Attorney. He was licensed to practice in state and federal court and served on the State Bar Grievance Committee. Mullins has been a Co-Class of ’67 Agent for over 30 years, served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Former Students, and named Councilman Emeritus of the Association. He has served on the College of Liberal Arts Development Council, is a member of the Texas Aggie Bar Association, and the Chancellor’s Century Council.

Brigadier General Claudius M. Easley, 1916

March 22, 2022 by amy.thompson

Easley 1916 enrolled in Texas A&M as a 2nd Lt while in the Texas National Guard. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Army after graduation in 1916 and received his degree in Architectural Engineering. He served as 1st Sgt of Company G and on Regimental (Corps) Staff. Easley was a Ross Volunteer, Business Manager for the 1916 Longhorn, and President of the Senior Rifle Club. He served with General “Black Jack” Pershing’s Expedition to Secure the Texas Border and attended Infantry School, Command and General Staff School, and the U.S. Army War College. Easley was Captain of the Infantry Rifle and Pistol Teams and was Army World Champion Marksman. He served as General Staff in the War Department, Deputy Commander of the 96th Infantry Division, fought on the Island of Leyte, and in the Battle of Okinawa. He was killed on the 81st Day of the 82-day campaign and awarded the Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Two Purple Hearts, and an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Law From Texas A&M.